Abruzzo and Molise do not have to boast about their timeless beauty – it is self-evident to any lucky traveller, who stumbles across them and, once visited, we are sure that you will be tempted to return time and again.

In Abruzzo, the scenery is spectacular with mountains so high that you will look down on lakes of cloud, textured, fluffy and seemingly tangible. The silence is so deep that it is only broken by bees humming, birds singing or cowbells tinkling. You will be reminded of Tibet, with layers of snow-capped mountains stretching far into the distance. There are National Parks, mountains and open, lush, green valleys, with birds and wildlife so rare that we usually only dream about them. You will see amazing rocky gorges and canyons, with sheer rock faces overhanging, and rivers with rapids and waterfalls tumbling powerfully to the bottom. There are 500 huge castles; mountain towns, winding upwards to beautiful churches or squares; remote hermitages, built into towering cliffs - a unique and intriguing region.

At the beginning of the last century, Abruzzo had 500,000 people and 8 million sheep! Today, the population of only 1½ million is largely based along the coastal strip, which relies on mainly Italian tourism, with some thriving resorts, especially popular in the height of summer. Pescara, the main resort of Abruzzo’s Adriatic coast, is modern, with a large commercial centre. A great place to shop, eat, and “people watch”, designer boutiques and fashionable cafés line the main streets and its wide beaches attract many visitors. Just north of Pescara, there are also some lovely beaches to discover.

In the south between Ortona and the lovely Vasto, with its fascinating historic centre, the road hugs closely to the coast, giving tempting glimpses, through the trees, of the beautiful blue sea. Here, more gentle hillsides, covered in vineyards and olive groves, give way to great expanses of golden sands.

The rural interior of Abruzzo bases its life around the traditions of farming and wine making. It can seem like stepping back in time, in many of the little towns and villages, which huddle at the foot of the towering Gran Sasso, the highest peak in the Apennines. L’Aquila and Sulmona are famous towns, full of character and atmosphere. Celano is quaint and photogenic, dominated by a massive castle and mountains. Loreto Aprutino’s mediaeval cobbled streets spiral up to its castle. The historic Citta Sant’Angelo clings to a hill, and has spectacular views of the Abruzzo countryside.

Once one region, it may seem difficult to distinguish differences between Abruzzo and the equally charming Molise and they are often similar. Now the second smallest Italian region, Molise is a narrow strip of land, bordered by four other regions, but with very much its own identity. High peaks of the Apennines give way to gentler hills, and the fascinating towns are scattered around a very rural landscape.

The people of Abruzzo and Molise are amazingly friendly. British travellers are not a common sight and will be welcomed with sincere hospitality and a sort of amazed gratitude that “at last” this land is being appreciated for the joys it has to offer.

All Italians know that Abruzzo is a region, famous for its food, and you will never eat better. Couple that with the extraordinary wines of the region and you will be in for a gastronomic delight. As for Molise - even most Italians are yet to discover it, so we will let you be pleasantly surprised - not giving away too many of its secrets!

We really cannot praise these regions too highly. Any time of year, on any number of levels, we know that you will fall in love with Abruzzo and Molise, as we have.